Vasyl Lomachenko to meet Miguel Marriaga in world title defence on August 5
WBO super featherweight champion Vasyl Lomachenko (8-1, 6 KOs) will defend his title aganist Colombian challenger Miguel Marriaga ( 25-2, 21 KOs) on August 5 at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, California.
The Ukrainan boxer had hoped to avenge his only pro defeat in a rematch with three-time featherweight world champion Orlando Salido, but the Mexican turned down the fight.
"Of course, I wanted to fight Salido but that's not happening," said Lomachenko. "Now I must deal with Marriaga, who had the courage to take this fight.
"Every fight is important for me. My goal is to be the best fighter in the world."
Two-time Olympic gold medalist Lomachenko, in only his second pro fight, challenged Salido for the WBO featherweight title, but lost a close split decision in March 2014. Salido failed to make weight the day before the fight and was stripped of his world title.
Lomachenko went on to win the same world title in his following bout when he outpointed Gary Russell Jr in June 2014. He made three successful defences before moving up to 130 pounds and knocking out Roman Martinez to claim his second world title.
In his most recent fights, Lomachenko scored dominant stoppage wins over Nicholas Walters and Jason Sosa, and he now meets Marriaga, who is attempting to win a world title for the third time, previously losing points decisions at featherweight to Walters in June 2015, and Oscar Valdez in April in his last outing.
"I am in boxing to fight in the biggest fights. There is nothing bigger than fighting Lomachenko," said Marriaga. "I am going into the ring to win this fight. No one is unbeatable, not even Lomachenko.
"I have respect but no fear of Lomachenko and I cannot wait to fight for his world title."